Overview
- On Sunday, Aug. 30, multiple outlets reported that rookie wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant made Green Bay’s initial 53-man roster and is the undrafted free agent the team retained for Week 1.
- Sturdivant overcame a preseason concussion sustained against Denver, cleared the NFL protocol, returned to full practice work, and played in the preseason finale at Lambeau Field.
- He sealed his case with six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in the finale and finished the preseason with an 84.3 PFF receiving grade and a 9.96 Relative Athletic Score.
- The Packers valued his work on special teams when deciding to keep an extra receiver, a standard set by GM Brian Gutekunst that required the retained player to contribute on coverage units.
- Sturdivant’s roster spot extends Green Bay’s run of keeping at least one UDFA into Week 1 to 22 straight seasons and highlights the franchise’s habit of developing overlooked players while noting the initial 53 remains changeable before the season starts.